Talks, field trips and events organised by west country geological organisations are publicised on this blog. Discussion about geological topics is encouraged. Anything of general geological interest is included.

Friday, 17 March 2017

Rhynie Chert explained

Rhynie Chert 100 years old (+410Ma)!

The first publication on the Rhynie Chert was published 100 years ago.

Earlier this year the Royal Society held a meeting to share the present knowledge and there is a very good report in the Guardian about this. The comments after the report are interesting; some are entertaining.

The Rhynie chert is renowned for the exquisite preservation of the plants and animals within it. This despite its great age - Pragian, Early Devonian, formed about 410 million years ago. The preservation is thought to be due to it being close to silica rich hot springs similar to present day Yellowstone.